What is it about?
The article analyzes the discourse and semantics of the pro-government anonymous Zheltye Slivy / Yellow Leaks telegram channel, known for its aggressive hate speech against opponents of the authorities in Belarus. The study uses qualitative content analysis and natural language processing methods to identify patterns in the channel's language. The study found that the channel uses similar words to describe opponents of the authorities, creating a multidimensional image of an "anti-society" that opposes the government and citizens of Belarus.
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Why is it important?
Hate propaganda has negative impacts on the people of Belarus. It creates a distorted view of those who oppose the government, leading to discrimination at all levels of society. This article suggests ways for scholars and independent media in Belarus to counteract hate propaganda and reduce polarization.
Perspectives
As a Belarusian who has experienced firsthand the hate propaganda and repressions in my country, this research was challenging and significant. Having been forced to leave Belarus due to my political stance, I am all too aware of the devastating effects of hate propaganda on society. The ongoing war in Ukraine makes it more critical than ever to counteract hate in Eastern Europe I sincerely hope this article will help reduce polarization and discrimination in Belarus and beyond. As a member of the Belarusian community, I feel a responsibility to do what I can to make a positive difference, and I believe that fighting against hate propaganda is a crucial part of that.
Ilya Sulzhytski
Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Universitat Greifswald
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Opposition as “A Mould on the Fatherland”: Hate Speech and Grassroots Telegram Propaganda in Belarus, The Journal of Belarusian Studies, December 2022, Brill Deutschland GmbH,
DOI: 10.30965/20526512-12350018.
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